Compare and contrast conditional adaptation theory and evolutionary expropriative theory.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Conditional adaptation theory maintains that antisocial behavior is part of an overall adaptive response to an unstable or hostile environment (Belsky, 1980). The theory argues that in an adaptive response designed to ensure reproduction, children who live in such environments will enter puberty early and engage in early sexual activity. Such an adaptation pattern is said to be associated with antisocial behavior. Interestingly enough, this is one example of a criminological theory based on a Darwinian perspective that leads to policy implications which would focus on environmental change rather than, for example, on intervention following a medical model. It suggests that development of a stable, caring environment would reduce, if not eliminate, these antisocial adaptations. Evolutionary expropriative theory assumes that all humans have an equal genetic potential for antisocial behavior. The theory asserts that humans are genetically driven not only to seek mates but also to acquire resources in order to ensure reproduction. Whereas some people do this through productive strategies entailing creation and development of such resources, others expropriate resources by victimizing others. According to the theory, such expropriative behavior should increase when available resources are inadequate or threatened.